October marks the arrival of the marvel, 'The Blue Wonder'
The city of Dresden is gearing up for a significant change in its urban mobility landscape, as the long-awaited bike lane trial on the Blue Wonder (Blaues Wunder) is scheduled to commence on October 15. This trial, aimed at enhancing cyclist safety and traffic flow, has been a topic of discussion for several years, with local authorities, political factions, and cycling advocacy groups expressing their support.
The Greens and the SPD, two prominent political factions in the city council, have welcomed the start of the trial. Nils Larsen, a board member of the ADFC (German Cyclists' Association), has expressed relief after a wait of 22 years, believing that the new bike paths will further ease traffic on the Blue Wonder. Stefan Engel, the SPD faction's spokesman on transport policy, shares this sentiment, expressing relief that the stalemate has ended.
The trial is a response to the increasing number of cyclists on the Blue Wonder, which has seen a 46% increase since 2018, while car traffic has decreased by 13%. This trend underscores the need for improved cycling infrastructure on the bridge. Currently, there are no separate cycle lanes between Körnerplatz and Schillerplatz, posing a risk to cyclists. To install bike lanes and approach Schillerplatz, one lane for car traffic will have to be removed. However, significant delays for bus lines 61 and 84 from Grundstraße were calculated in the peak hour. These delays have been reduced by adjusting the traffic light control at Schillerplatz.
The trial aims to clarify the right way forward regarding cycling infrastructure on the Blue Wonder. If the trial shows that buses and trams are disproportionately disadvantaged, the trial will be abandoned. Susanne Krause, spokeswoman for the Greens' mobility, praises the administration's good preparation for the trial. Traffic Mayor Stephan Kuhn will be available for questions at the Blasewitz district council meeting on September 27, where additional information about the trial is expected to be provided.
The ADFC, an advocate for cycling infrastructure, has always been optimistic that the bike paths would eventually come through, given the many arguments in favour. They expect the new bike paths to encourage more people to switch from cars to bikes when crossing the Blue Wonder. The Greens also view the trial as a great opportunity for cycling in eastern Dresden.
The debate about the bike lane trial has highlighted an information gap, and more explanations are expected from the administration. For current and specific details, it is recommended to check updates from Dresden city transportation authority or local news outlets focused on urban mobility. The trial on the Blue Wonder is a significant step towards improving urban mobility in Dresden, and its outcome will undoubtedly shape the city's cycling landscape for years to come.
The Greens' mobility spokeswoman, Susanne Krause, praises the administration's preparation for the upcoming bike lane trial on the Blue Wonder, a critical step towards improving urban mobility in Dresden. Financing for the project is yet to be solidified within the industry, with local authorities actively seeking suitable funding sources to ensure its successful implementation. Despite this, the ADFC remains optimistic that the new bike paths will positively impact the transportation sector in Dresden, encouraging more people to switch from cars to bikes and fostering a healthier, more eco-friendly urban landscape.
